California Department of Fish and Game changes name

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The California Department of Fish and Game has changed its name to California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The change went into effect Jan. 1 and was mandated by AB 2402, which was signed Sept. 25 by Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. and is one of numerous provisions passed into law during 2012 that affect the department.

"The name of the department was changed to better reflect our evolving responsibilities," said Department Director Charlton H. Bonham stated in a press release. "As our role has grown to meet 21st century expectations, we remain committed to our traditional responsibilities and to honoring our deep roots in California's natural resources legacy."

Traditionally known as game wardens, the department's law enforcement staff will now be called wildlife officers.

The CDFW is now using the address www.wildlife.ca.gov and e-mail addresses for CDFW employees have changed. The old URL and email addresses will continue to work indefinitely.